The Best Live TV Apps on Android and iPhones

Cutting the cord doesn’t mean missing out on live television anymore. Whether you love sports, breaking news, or binge-watching reality shows, Live TV apps for Android and iPhone have made it easier than ever to stream your favorite content from anywhere. No satellite dishes, no long-term contracts, just pure entertainment at your fingertips.

But with so many options available, how do you know which app is right for you? Some are budget-friendly, while others offer extensive premium content. Some focus on local channels, while others deliver international programming. That’s where this guide comes in.

We’ve handpicked the 15 best Live TV apps for Android and iPhone, considering factors like content variety, pricing, user experience, and availability. Whether you’re looking for free ad-supported TV, premium cable alternatives, or sports-centric options, this list has something for everyone.

15 Best Live TV Apps for Android and iPhone | Watch Live TV on the Go

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1. YouTube TV

YouTube TV is one of the best live TV streaming apps, offering over 100+ live channels across news, entertainment, and sports. With no contract, you have the flexibility to watch live TV on your Android or iPhone without cable. The app includes major networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and CNN, making it a solid option for those who want a full cable-like experience without the hassle.

YouTube TV includes a broad range of content, from live sports (ESPN, FS1, NBA TV) to news (CNN, MSNBC, FOX News) and entertainment (TBS, TNT, AMC, FX). It also offers add-ons like HBO Max, Starz, Showtime, and more for an extra fee. For sports lovers, it supports NFL, NBA, and MLB networks, ensuring you never miss a big game.

The app delivers high-quality streaming, typically 1080p at 60fps, with minimal buffering even on slower connections. Its cloud DVR is unlimited, allowing you to record and save shows for up to nine months at no extra charge. It also supports three simultaneous streams and six profiles per account.

YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month, making it one of the pricier options. However, the unlimited DVR, strong channel lineup and high-quality streaming justify the cost.

Also Read: YouTube TV Review: Watch DVR, Live Sports & More

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2. Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV is a great mix of live television and on-demand content, making it one of the most versatile streaming apps for Android and iPhone. It combines Hulu’s massive on-demand library with over 90+ live channels, including sports, news, and entertainment. With Disney+ and ESPN+ included, it’s an all-in-one streaming package for families, sports lovers, and binge-watchers alike.

Hulu + Live TV offers a broad range of live channels, including ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, ESPN, CNN, and FX. It covers sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, along with local news and entertainment networks. You also get access to Hulu’s full on-demand library, which includes Hulu Originals, classic TV shows, and recent episodes of popular network shows. If you want premium channels, HBO Max, Starz, and Showtime can be added for an extra fee.

Hulu + Live TV provides 1080p Full HD streaming for most content, with some 4K support for select on-demand shows and movies. The app allows two simultaneous streams, though you can upgrade to unlimited screens for an extra cost. The cloud DVR includes 50 hours of storage by default, but upgrading to 200 hours with fast-forwarding is available. The interface is simple, but the occasional ads in the base plan might frustrate some users.

The ad-supported Hulu + Live TV plan costs $76.99 per month, while the ad-free version costs $89.99 per month.

Also Read: 7 Ways to Block Ads on Hulu: Watch Movies and Shows Ad-Free

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3. Sling TV

Sling TV is one of the most budget-friendly live TV apps for Android and iPhone, offering a customizable channel lineup at a lower cost than competitors. Unlike traditional cable, Sling lets you choose from two base packages and add extra channels based on your interests. It’s a great option for cord-cutters who want live sports, news, and entertainment without spending a fortune.

Sling TV offers two main plans:

• Sling Orange ($40/month) – Focused on sports and family content, with channels like ESPN, Disney, CNN, TNT, and AMC.
• Sling Blue ($40/month) – More suited for news and entertainment, featuring FOX, NBC, FX, Bravo, and National Geographic.

You can also combine both plans for $55/month to get the full channel lineup. While Sling doesn’t include local CBS or ABC channels, you can add extras like Comedy Central, BET, or premium networks (HBO, Showtime) for an additional fee.

Sling TV offers 1080p Full HD streaming on most channels, though some sports streams may be limited to 720p. It allows one stream on Sling Orange but three simultaneous streams on Sling Blue, making it important to choose the right plan based on your needs. The cloud DVR includes 50 hours of storage, but you can upgrade to 200 hours for an extra cost. Unlike Hulu or YouTube TV, Sling doesn’t offer unlimited DVR.

Here is the pricing structure:

• Sling Orange or Sling Blue: $40/month
• Sling Orange + Blue: $55/month
• Extra channel add-ons start at $6/month
• DVR Plus (200 hours): $5/month

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4. FuboTV

If you’re a sports fan looking for a live TV app that delivers a massive selection of sports channels, fuboTV is the best option. Originally launched as a soccer-focused streaming service, fuboTV now includes over 170+ channels, covering everything from NFL, NBA, and MLB to international leagues like La Liga and the English Premier League. But it’s not just for sports; fuboTV also includes news, entertainment, and family-friendly channels.

fuboTV offers a robust lineup of live channels, including ESPN, FS1, CBS Sports Network, NBC Sports, and regional sports networks (RSNs). You also get access to mainstream networks like ABC, FOX, NBC, CNN, FX, Bravo, and Discovery.  Premium add-ons like HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz are available for those looking for additional content. The service also provides 4K streaming for select sports events, making it one of the best apps for watching high-quality games.

fuboTV delivers a smooth and stable streaming experience, with 4K resolution available for select live sports events. Most other content streams at 1080p Full HD, and the platform performs well on Android and iPhone. The cloud DVR includes 1000 hours of storage, allowing users to record and save games or shows without worrying about space. You can stream on up to 10 devices at home and three on the go, making it ideal for families or roommates.

The pricing structure:

• Pro Plan: $74.99/month – 170+ channels, 1000-hour DVR, 10 streams at home
• Elite Plan: $84.99/month – Includes 4K streaming and 250+ channels
• Ultimate Plan: $94.99/month – All channels + Showtime & Sports Plus package
• Latino Plan: $32.99/month – 40+ Spanish-language channels

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5. Philo

Philo is one of the most affordable live TV apps for Android and iPhone, offering a great selection of entertainment and lifestyle channels at a fraction of the cost of other services. If you’re not interested in sports or local news and just want access to popular cable networks, Philo is a great budget-friendly choice.

Philo includes 70+ live channels, focusing on entertainment, lifestyle, and reality TV rather than sports or local networks. You’ll find channels like AMC, Comedy Central, MTV, Hallmark, Discovery, Nickelodeon, A&E, and HGTV. It’s perfect for binge-watchers who enjoy reality shows, cooking competitions, and classic sitcoms. However, Philo does not offer ESPN, Fox News, ABC, NBC, or CBS, so if you need news or sports, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

Philo also provides a large on-demand library, allowing users to catch up on missed episodes of their favorite shows. If you want more content, you can add Starz and MGM+ for an extra fee.

Philo streams in 1080p Full HD, and the experience is smooth, with minimal buffering even on mobile networks. It supports up to three simultaneous streams and unlimited cloud DVR storage, so you can record as many shows as you want and keep them for up to a year. The app is lightweight and runs well on both Android and iOS devices, making it a hassle-free streaming option.

The pricing structure:

• Philo Basic Plan: $25/month – 70+ channels, unlimited DVR, on-demand library
• Starz Add-on: $9/month
• MGM+ Add-on: $6/month

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6. DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream is a full-scale cable replacement for those who want live TV without a satellite dish. It provides a large selection of channels, live sports, and local news, making it one of the best options for people who want a traditional cable-like experience on their Android or iPhone. While it’s more expensive than other services, it includes regional sports networks (RSNs) that many streaming competitors lack.

DirecTV Stream offers 75+ to 150+ channels, depending on the plan you choose. It includes local networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX, plus major cable channels like ESPN, CNN, TNT, FX, Bravo, and USA Network. What sets DirecTV Stream apart is its regional sports coverage, which includes Bally Sports, NBC Sports, and YES Network, making it ideal for fans who follow local teams.

The service also supports premium add-ons, allowing you to subscribe to HBO Max, Starz, Showtime, and Cinemax directly within the app. Unlike Philo or Sling TV, DirecTV Stream offers a complete lineup of both sports and entertainment channels, making it a solid cable alternative.

DirecTV Stream supports 1080p Full HD streaming, with some 4K support for select on-demand content. It allows unlimited cloud DVR storage (previously only 20 hours), and you can stream on unlimited devices at home and up to three outside your home. The app is well-optimized for Android and iPhone, though it sometimes feels a bit sluggish compared to YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.

The pricing structure:

• Entertainment Plan: $79.99/month – 75+ channels, local networks, ESPN, CNN
• Choice Plan: $108.99/month – 105+ channels, regional sports networks, MLB Network
• Ultimate Plan: $119.99/month – 140+ channels, more movie and sports channels
• Premier Plan: $164.99/month – 150+ channels, all premium networks included

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7. Xumo Play

Xumo Play is a completely free live TV app that provides access to hundreds of live channels and on-demand content without any subscription fees. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to watch news, movies, and entertainment, Xumo Play is a great choice. While it doesn’t offer premium cable networks or sports leagues like ESPN, it’s a solid option for casual viewers who want free TV on their Android or iPhone.

Xumo Play has a lineup of over 300+ live-streaming channels covering news, entertainment, lifestyle, and sports highlights. It includes channels like NBC News, ABC News Live, Bloomberg, and USA Today, making it a great option for catching up on the latest headlines.

For entertainment, Xumo Play features classic TV shows, reality programs, and movies from networks like Hallmark, MTV, and Crackle. It also includes dedicated music channels and sports content from providers like Fox Sports and PGA Tour. However, it lacks live sports broadcasts for major leagues.

The app also has an on-demand section with thousands of free movies and TV shows. While the selection isn’t as strong as Netflix or Hulu, it’s a great zero-cost alternative.

Since Xumo Play is free, it relies on ads to generate revenue, so you’ll see commercial breaks while watching live TV. The video quality is capped at 720p, which is lower than premium services, but the streams are stable with minimal buffering. The app is well-optimized for Android and iPhone, offering a smooth experience on most devices. No sign-up is required, so you can start watching instantly.

The best part is this live TV service is completely free, with access to 300+ live channels and on-demand content; no subscription is required. 

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8. Pluto TV

Pluto TV is one of the best free live TV apps, offering a huge variety of live channels and on-demand content without any subscription fees. Owned by Paramount, Pluto TV gives you access to movies, TV shows, news, and even some sports highlights. It’s a great alternative for anyone who wants to watch live TV on Android or iPhone without spending money.

Pluto TV features over 250 live channels, including categories like news, movies, crime, reality, kids, and sports. It includes networks such as CBS News, NBC News, CNN, MTV, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon, making it one of the most diverse free streaming platforms.

For movie lovers, Pluto TV has dedicated channels for action, comedy, sci-fi, and classic films, often showing popular titles from Paramount’s movie catalog. Unlike paid services, you won’t get premium networks like ESPN, HBO, or FX, but Pluto still offers a strong mix of entertainment, especially for casual viewers.

The on-demand library is another plus, with thousands of free movies and TV episodes available to stream at any time. The content rotates frequently, ensuring there’s always something new to watch.

Pluto TV supports streaming in up to 1080p HD, though some channels are limited to 720p. Since it’s a free service, you will see ad breaks during live TV and movies. However, the app is lightweight and runs smoothly on both Android and iPhone. Unlike some competitors, Pluto TV does not require an account to start watching.

The app is completely free, allowing you access to 250+ live channels and a larger library of on-demand entertainment with no subscription or sign-up required. 

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9. Tubi TV

Tubi TV is a completely free streaming app that offers a mix of live TV channels and an extensive on-demand library. While it doesn’t provide traditional cable channels like ESPN or CNN, it’s a great alternative for those looking for free movies and TV shows and select live news channels on Android and iPhone. Owned by Fox Corporation, Tubi TV has one of the largest free content libraries available.

Tubi’s live TV section focuses mainly on news and select sports highlights, featuring channels like Fox News, Bloomberg, NBC News, and USA Today. Unlike Pluto TV or Xumo Play, Tubi does not have a massive lineup of dedicated live channels, but it compensates with a massive on-demand catalog.

The on-demand library includes over 50,000 movies and TV shows, covering action, comedy, horror, drama, and family-friendly content. You’ll find classic films, anime, and even some older network TV series. Since Fox owns Tubi, expect a lot of Fox movies and TV content, including some exclusive titles.

Tubi TV delivers 1080p HD streaming, and most movies and TV shows run smoothly on both Android and iPhone. However, since it’s a free platform, you’ll see commercial breaks while watching. The ads aren’t too intrusive, making Tubi one of the better free streaming experiences.

Another big plus is that no sign-up is required; you can open the app and start watching immediately. However, if you create an account, you can resume playback across devices and create a watchlist.

The platform is completely free, with access to live news channels and 50,000+ on-demand titles, and the best part? No sign-up is required unless you need extra features.

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10. Peacock TV

Peacock TV is a hybrid streaming app that offers both live TV and an extensive on-demand library. Owned by NBCUniversal, it provides access to NBC live programming, exclusive originals, and a wide range of movies and TV shows. Unlike free services like Pluto TV, Peacock TV has both a free tier and paid plans for premium content. It’s a great option for Android and iPhone users who want live sports, news, and entertainment in one app.

Peacock TV’s live streaming section includes NBC live programming, live sports, and news channels like NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, and Sky News. It also provides exclusive access to Premier League soccer matches, WWE events, and Sunday Night Football, making it a strong choice for sports fans.

The on-demand library is impressive, featuring popular NBC shows like The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Law & Order, as well as blockbuster movies from Universal Pictures. Peacock also has an original series and a dedicated section for WWE content. The free tier includes a limited selection of content, while premium subscribers get full access.

Peacock TV offers 1080p HD streaming, with 4K HDR support on select titles. The app works smoothly on Android and iPhone, but some content is locked behind a paywall. Peacock’s ad-supported free tier provides limited content, while premium subscribers can stream live NBC and sports events. However, even the paid plans include some ads unless you upgrade to the ad-free version.

The pricing structure:

• Free Tier – Limited live TV and on-demand content with ads
• Peacock Premium – $5.99/month (full access with ads)
• Peacock Premium Plus – $11.99/month (ad-free, includes local NBC stations live)

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11. Paramount Plus

Paramount+ is a feature-rich live TV and on-demand streaming app offering a mix of CBS live channels, original shows, sports, and movies. If you’re looking for live sports, local CBS broadcasts, and exclusive Paramount content, this is a great choice for Android and iPhone users. While it doesn’t have as many live channels as YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV, it stands out with strong sports coverage and a solid movie library.

Paramount+ offers live CBS channels, meaning you can watch local news, NFL games, college sports, and award shows like the Grammys and Tonys. It also includes live feeds from CBS Sports HQ, CBS News, and ET Live, ensuring you stay updated on breaking news and sports.

For on-demand content, Paramount+ has a massive library of CBS shows, including hits like NCIS, Survivor, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. It also offers Paramount movies, Nickelodeon cartoons, MTV reality shows, and Showtime content (with the premium plan). If you love classic and modern Paramount films, it’s a strong competitor to Peacock and Hulu.

Paramount+ supports 1080p HD streaming, with 4K HDR and Dolby Vision available on select content. The app runs smoothly on Android and iPhone, with minimal buffering. It allows three simultaneous streams, making it family-friendly. However, the cheaper Essential plan includes ads and no local CBS station access, which could be a drawback for those who want full live TV access.

Here is the pricing structure:

• Paramount+ Essential: $5.99/month (ads, limited live TV, no local CBS)
• Paramount+ with Showtime: $11.99/month (ad-free, includes local CBS and Showtime originals)

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12. Vudu

Vudu is a unique live TV and on-demand streaming app that offers a mix of free ad-supported content, paid movie rentals, and some live TV options. Unlike traditional live TV apps like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV, Vudu doesn’t provide a continuous lineup of cable channels, but it does offer select live news channels, special event streams, and an extensive pay-per-view library.

Vudu’s live TV section mainly includes news and select sports highlights, featuring channels like NBC News, CNN, Fox Sports, and Bloomberg. However, it doesn’t offer live sports games or major entertainment channels like ESPN, AMC, or FX.

The real strength of Vudu is its on-demand library, which offers thousands of movies and TV shows for free (with ads). You can also buy or rent blockbuster films and early access movies that are still in theaters. Unlike subscription-based services, you only pay for what you watch, making it a good option for casual viewers who don’t want a monthly commitment.

Vudu delivers 1080p HD and 4K HDR streaming on supported content. The app runs smoothly on Android and iPhone, though free movies and live news channels include ad breaks. Since there’s no monthly fee, Vudu is one of the best budget-friendly streaming options if you don’t mind watching ads or paying per movie.

Pricing structure:

• Completely Free: Live news and ad-supported movies & TV shows
• Pay-Per-View Movies & Rentals – Prices vary ($3.99 – $24.99 per title)

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13. Amazon Prime Video (Live Channels Add-On)

Amazon Prime Video is best known for its massive on-demand streaming library, but it also offers live TV through add-on subscriptions. If you already have Amazon Prime, you can expand its functionality by subscribing to live TV channels like Showtime, Starz, Paramount+, and even sports networks. While it’s not a full cable replacement like YouTube TV, it’s a great way to get live sports, news, and entertainment without switching apps.

Amazon Prime Video doesn’t include built-in live TV, but it allows you to subscribe to over 100+ premium live channels through Prime Video Channels. Some popular add-ons include:

• Paramount+ (CBS live channels, sports, and news)
• Showtime (live and on-demand movies, originals, and boxing matches)
• Starz (live movies, premium dramas, and classics)
• MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, and PGA Tour Live for sports fans
• Live news channels like CNN, CNBC, and ABC News

The content library also includes thousands of movies and TV shows, including Amazon Originals like The Boys, Jack Ryan, and Reacher. If you prefer a mix of live and on-demand entertainment, Amazon Prime Video’s channel system is a flexible option.

Amazon Prime Video supports 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos for select content. Live channels stream in up to 1080p HD, and the app runs smoothly on both Android and iPhone. However, the pricing for add-on channels varies, and subscribing to multiple channels can quickly add up.

Here is the pricing structure,

• Amazon Prime Membership: $14.99/month or $139/year (includes Prime Video but no live channels)
• Live TV Channel Add-Ons: $4.99 – $14.99/month per channel

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14. ESPN

For sports lovers, ESPN is one of the best live TV apps available on Android and iPhone. Whether you’re a fan of the NFL, NBA, MLB, college football, soccer, or UFC, ESPN provides live sports coverage, analysis, and exclusive content. While the app itself is free, full access to live games requires an ESPN+ subscription or a cable TV login.

ESPN offers 24/7 live sports streaming, including major leagues like:

• NFL Monday Night Football
• NBA and college basketball
• MLB games and World Series coverage
• UFC fights (including pay-per-view events)
• Soccer leagues like La Liga, Bundesliga, and FA Cup
• Exclusive ESPN+ originals and documentaries

If you have a cable TV subscription, you can log in and access ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNU, and SEC Network. ESPN+ subscribers get additional perks like exclusive games, original series like Peyton’s Places, and UFC Fight Night events. However, ESPN+ does not include live access to ESPN’s main TV channels, which can be confusing for some users.

ESPN supports 1080p Full HD streaming, and live sports are typically smooth, even on mobile data. The app also includes real-time scores, highlights, and replays, making it a great second-screen experience. However, there’s no free live sports content unless you have a cable login or ESPN+ subscription.

The pricing structure is:

• ESPN App (Free) – Live scores, highlights, and some free content
• ESPN+ – $10.99/month or $109.99/year (includes exclusive live games and originals, but not ESPN TV channels)
• Disney+ Bundle – $14.99/month (includes ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu)
• UFC Pay-Per-View (PPV) – $79.99 per event (for major UFC fights)

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15. BBC iPlayer

BBC iPlayer is the go-to live TV streaming app for those who love British television, news, and sports. Available for Android and iPhone, it provides free access to live BBC channels and an extensive on-demand library. While it’s primarily available to UK residents, those outside the UK can use a VPN to access BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer offers live streaming of all BBC TV channels, including:

• BBC One – National news, dramas, and entertainment
• BBC Two – Documentaries, cultural programs, and reality TV
• BBC News – 24/7 live news coverage
• BBC Sport – Live football, rugby, cricket, and Olympics coverage
• CBBC & CBeebies – Kids’ programming and educational shows

Beyond live TV, iPlayer has an on-demand library featuring British hits like Sherlock, Peaky Blinders, Doctor Who, and The Great British Bake Off. It also includes documentaries, comedies, and current affairs programs. The service allows you to download shows for offline viewing, which is a major plus.

BBC iPlayer streams in HD (720p and 1080p), with some 4K Ultra HD content available for select programs. The app is fast, easy to use, and works flawlessly on Android and iPhone. Subtitles and accessibility features are also available for many shows. However, you need a UK TV license to access it legally, and some content expires after 30 days.

The platform is completely free with live BBC channels and on-demand (UK residents only, TV license required).

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Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

Wrapping up: The Best live TV Apps on Android and iPhones

Finding the right Live TV app for Android and iPhone depends on what you watch the most. Whether you’re after sports, breaking news, entertainment, or just a way to stream free TV, there’s an option for you. From premium services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV to budget-friendly alternatives like Sling TV and Philo, each app brings something unique to the table. If you’re looking for a completely free experience, services like Pluto TV, Tubi, and Xumo Play give you live channels and on-demand content at no cost.

We hope this guide has helped you pick the best live TV streaming app for your needs. Now, we want to hear from you! Which live TV app do you use the most? Do you prefer sports, movies, news, or reality TV? Drop a comment below and share your go-to live TV streaming service. Your insights can help others make the right choice. 

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